Turn Gridlines on in a Table in Word (Add-in)

Note: These instructions apply to the desktop version of Microsoft Word only. Word for Web does not support showing invisible gridlines.

APA and MLA tables use horizontal dividing lines but no vertical lines. When you use PERRLA's Insert Table button, your table will look like this:

This is the correct formatting for APA and MLA tables. However, without visible cell borders it can be difficult to know where to type.

To help with this, you can turn on View Gridlines in Word. This adds a dotted line around each cell so you have a visual guide for where to type. These lines will not appear on printed copies or copies sent to your professor – they're for your reference only. With gridlines on, your table will look like this:

Each cell is now visible, making it easier to enter your text.

1. Click somewhere within the table.
   This will bring up the Table Design and Layout menus in Word's ribbon.
2. Click the Layout menu. 
3. Click View Gridlines. 

Once you're finished entering text, click View Gridlines again to turn them off.